Memories

[Magpie]

Hi,

For me this is one of the best poems of yours that I can remember reading. I've left a few thoughts below.

There was a small garden in the backyard
of my childhood home.
Father grew tomatoes and carrots in rows
between tulips and daisies. ---- The choice of plants here seem very specific, which makes me think there is a definite reason for your choice, but as yet I haven't managed to find that reason.
 
Although he loved all equally,
he seemed to have a special fondness for the tulips, ---- 'loved all equally' and 'special fondness for' seem to be at odds with each other here, dropping 'equally' would solve this.
which he believed bore a certain resemblance to mother.
 
Of course, mother had passed shortly after I was born. ---- Does this need to be stated, I feel that the rest of the poem implies that this is the case
 
I think I remember her,
although that could just be the entanglement ---- 'although' sticks out here because of its inclusion in the previous stanza, suggest to change one of them. Also I was surprised by the choice of word with 'entanglement' which I think is mostly used with a negative connotation to express a complication. Although it can also be used to express a confusion which works here. I'm not sure how to go with this one. 
of pictures and stories, or warm milk and dreams.
 
Father spread her ashes in the garden,
hoping her presence might help stiffen their spines, --- I'm presuming that 'their' here refers to the tulips, however the intervening stanza has made this statement feel slightly disconnected. Perhaps swap stanzas or be more specific in this stanza.
as she had his.
 
I remember his soft smile, when he’d pass her picture in the hallway,
or share an old story from before I was born. --- Is 'old' needed here?
Some smiles are sadder than tears –   --- As already noted this is indeed an excellent poignant line
although I can’t remember ever seeing him cry. --- I think this line would work better without 'although'

Thanks for the read,

Mark